Legacy Emanuel opens new store aimed at keeping kids safe

[depakid]

Source: The Oregonian

Over the weekend, a 4-year-old Molalla boy tumbled from his family's second-story window and later died from his injuries. In another tragic case that grabbed national headlines this week, Mike Tyson's 4-year-old daughter died after getting tangled in a cord on a treadmill.

Falls, burns from house fires or appliances and poisoning are the most common causes of injury and death in young children. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to falls - one recent study found 60 percent of all infant injuries were due to falls. The most common culprits: falling from furniture, down stairs and falling in an infant walker.

Portland area hospitals typically see more than a dozen children who are injured from window falls each year. Last year's numbers included three Canby toddlers who fell from windows within four days of one another. All three survived, even though one fell headfirst into a flower bed and another onto concrete. All three pushed out screens that were meant to keep insects out, not children in, according to a recent Oregonian report.

Nationwide, more than 4,000 children, most 5 years old or younger, visit emergency rooms each year because they fall from windows. An average of 18 die. It was those numbers that persuaded administrators at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center to apply for a federal grant for a store dedicated to keeping kids safe at home. The hospital was one of 6 nationally to share the $1 million grant. A couple weeks ago, Legacy Emanuel opened its Safety Store, which sells childproofing products at prices below retail.

Read more: http://blog.oregonlive.com/themombeat/2009/05/over_the_weekend_a_4yearold.html

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It's amazing that something like this hadn't already been opened up.

It would be nice to see these in communities all across the US.

[Mind_your_head]

1. Toddlers require CONSTANT vigilance..

Don't re-write the laws for stupid/apathetic parets who don't/won't "do" what is "required"

[Mythsaje]

2. A bit darwinian, don't you think?

I strongly oppose laws that protect adults from their own stupidity, but I tend to support laws that protect children from the stupidity of adults.

I used to work for a window-screen place and it made me a bit dizzy to see warning labels on the damn things saying "this is not a device for keeping children from falling out windows" or something to that effect. Some people really are just that stupid.

[Mind_your_head]

3. Vigilant parent lays in bed at night and hears a "choke" sound from their kid

and they think/"know" it's probably "nothing", but YET.....it could be 'something'. The kid found a "hard candy" somewhere or who knows.....

The parent, TIRED AS THEY ARE.....gets up outta bed....and checks on their child. You don't EVER underestimate their ability to do themselves harm in their curiousity!

Love that quality, but be 'ever vigilant'.

Peace,
M_Y_H

[ejpoeta]

5. no matter how vigilant you are.... you just can't be everywhere at every moment

and toddlers can be quite fast. you blink and they are getting into something. my poor sister... her 13 month old daughter climbs on the couch and jumps!! she has figured out how to open the gate blocking the stairs.... she climbs on anything and everything. barbi is running around chasing her incessantly. there is only so much anyone can do. it's just a matter of fact. but it is true that there are parents who don't think. like the walker thing... who would put their kid in a walker at the top of the stairs.... and yes that is why we have child items covered in disclaimer warnings... do not close stroller with child inside. but in general, you can't protect from everything. there will be things that you can't even think of that the kid could get into. there will be things that you put up and your child couldn't reach but now they can and you didn't even realize it until they had it in their hand. been there, done that!! i heard about batteries.. the round batteries kids swallowing and it damaging their esophagus. i didn't ever even think about those batteries. i have never seen them or thought about them, but they are in toys and such around this house.

[Mythsaje]

4. Oh, I know... but... n/t

[Mind_your_head]

6. But what?

There is no better vigilance/security than a parent who listens/pays attention/cares/advocates for their child. One can't "Pay" for that.

It's called "LOVE". There is no equal!

[Mythsaje]

7. But... how many people DON'T?

Do those kids become disposable?